Hindu pilgrims' journey of faith in Kashmir

Hundreds of thousands of devotees climb to Amarnath Yatra cave each year, undertaking an arduous trek to pay obesiance.

Srinagar, Kashmir - Chanting bam bam bolay, thousands of Hindu devotees throng to the beautiful valley of Pahalgam for their yearly pilgrimage known as the Amarnath Yatra.

Located amid the beautiful snowy mountains of the Eastern Himalaya in Indian-administered Kashmir, the Amarnath cave is a sacred shrine, highly revered by Hindus.

A two-month annual pilgrimage seasons sees devotees - or Yatris - walk and ride ponies or palanquins climb to the cave, located 3,800m (12,700ft) above sea level, some 140km (85 miles) from Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, to have glimpse of an ice stalagmite they believe to be a symbol of Hindu god, Lord Shiva.

The frozen column is said to grow and shrink "miraculously", with the phases of the moon - reaching its maximum height during the summer.

The cave can be reached via two routes, each taking pilgrims through famous tourist destinations. One passes through Sonmarg, while the Pahalgam route is preferred by many Yatris. The Pahalgam path takes about two to three days to reach the cave, along a tough, mountainous route. Its steep gradient makes it very difficult to climb, yet elderly pilgrims still scramble up the rocky path.

The Yatra ["journey'] is a long trek, and pilgrims face a number of difficulties on the treacherous route. The scarcity of oxygen due to the high altitude has at times resulted in several cardiac arrests in recent years.

Pilgrims also have to endure abrupt climatic changes, as the weather can often swing wildly from sunshine to rain - and even snowfall amid the higher reaches of the mountains.

As a result, a number of pilgrims do not survive the journey.

The Yatra is special on many counts. The Hindu shrine is believed by many to have been re-discovered in the 15th century by a Kashmiri Muslim shepherd by the name of Buta Malik, and the annual event has come to represent the history of communal harmony between communities in the valley, even as Kashmir itself has fought for self-determination over past decades.

It is Kashmiri Muslims who make the arrangements for the pilgrims, and provide them with all facilities during the entire pilgrimage period. Kashmiri ponies, palanquins and helpers carry the pilgrims to the top - and in doing so risk their own lives.

The event is important for the livelihoods of so many Kashmiris struggling to make a living in the valley..

In 2012, around half a million pilgrims have registered for the pilgrimage - out of which some 250 000 Yatris have already paid obeisance at the shrine.

Amarnath Yatra 2012 began on June 24, amid high security in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Al Jazeera

Thousands of pilgrims undertake the journey to the Amarnath cave, located inside a snow-capped mountain in the Himalayas.

Al Jazeera

The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,800 metres (12,700ft), some 140km (85 miles) from Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir.

Al Jazeera

The Hindu devotees travel by foot, ride ponies and some take palanquins to reach to holy cave of Amarnath.

Al Jazeera

In 2011, an estimated 634,000 people participated in the pilgrimage, the highest recorded number of Yatris ever.

Al Jazeera

People of different ages from all over India come for the yatra, to pray by an ice stalagmite they believe to be a symbol of Hindu god Lord Shiva.

Al Jazeera

The mountainous route to the shrine is one of the toughest and longest routes. Its steep gradient makes it very difficult to climb.

Al Jazeera

The crowds of devotees are watched over by thousands of police officers deployed for the pilgrimage.

Al Jazeera

Kashmiri pony owners, palanquin bearers and others risk their lives on the perilous route to the cave, helping to carry the yatris to the top.

Al Jazeera

Despite the harsh environment and inclement weather, each year sees a new record number of pilgrims register for the holy trek.

Al Jazeera

Various non-profit organisations set up food supply stalls - named pandals - which are made available free of charge to the pilgrims.

Al Jazeera

Near the shrine, thousands of tents erected by local Kashmiris can be hired by yatris for a night\(***)s stay.

Al Jazeera

This year, around half a million pilgrims have registered for the pilgrimage - of which some 250,000 yatries have already paid obeisance at the shrine.

Al Jazeera

Amarnath Yatra 2012 began on June 24, amid high security in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Al Jazeera

Thousands of pilgrims undertake the journey to the Amarnath cave, located inside a snow-capped mountain in the Himalayas.

Al Jazeera

The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,800 metres (12,700ft), some 140km (85 miles) from Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir.

Al Jazeera

The Hindu devotees travel by foot, ride ponies and some take palanquins to reach to holy cave of Amarnath.

Al Jazeera

In 2011, an estimated 634,000 people participated in the pilgrimage, the highest recorded number of Yatris ever.

Al Jazeera

People of different ages from all over India come for the yatra, to pray by an ice stalagmite they believe to be a symbol of Hindu god Lord Shiva.

Al Jazeera

The mountainous route to the shrine is one of the toughest and longest routes. Its steep gradient makes it very difficult to climb.

Al Jazeera

The crowds of devotees are watched over by thousands of police officers deployed for the pilgrimage.

Al Jazeera

Kashmiri pony owners, palanquin bearers and others risk their lives on the perilous route to the cave, helping to carry the yatris to the top.

Al Jazeera

Despite the harsh environment and inclement weather, each year sees a new record number of pilgrims register for the holy trek.

Al Jazeera

Various non-profit organisations set up food supply stalls - named pandals - which are made available free of charge to the pilgrims.

Al Jazeera

Near the shrine, thousands of tents erected by local Kashmiris can be hired by yatris for a night\(***)s stay.

Al Jazeera

This year, around half a million pilgrims have registered for the pilgrimage - of which some 250,000 yatries have already paid obeisance at the shrine.